The Miami Dolphins enter Week 8 with a major boost. Eight of their injured players returned to full practice, including QB Tua Tagovailoa and WR Jaylen Waddle. The key players for head coach Mike McDaniel appeared on the injury list earlier this week but practiced fully and are ready to start against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, October 26.

Tagovailoa, who managed a thumb issue in his left hand, threw comfortably during practice. After the team’s 6–31 loss to the Cleveland Browns, he drew attention by admitting that his height affected his connection with Waddle, who caught just one pass for 15 yards.

“Some of it has to do with being able to see guys with their guys also up front and our guys,” Mike McDaniel’s QB said. “I’m not the tallest guy in the back there either, so being able to see and then sometimes when that happens, you don’t want to just throw it blindly.”

At 6 feet tall, Tua explained that crowded passing lanes can make it tough to spot Waddle, who stands 5-foot-10. Still, both looked sharp in practice this week. Waddle, who recovered from a hamstring injury, practiced fully and has 30 receptions for 405 yards and 3 touchdowns this season.

The Dolphins also got back center Aaron Brewer (pectoral), safety Elijah Campbell (quadricep), DE Kenneth Grant (foot), NT Jordan Phillips (finger), CB Storm Duck (ankle), and safety Dante Trader Jr. (shoulder). It’s one of Miami’s healthiest rosters in weeks.

The Atlanta Falcons, meanwhile, face key injury questions ahead of Sunday’s game. Starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is questionable with a knee injury after limited participation in practice all week. Despite the setback, Penix said he plans to play.

“Yes,” Penix told reporters when asked if he expects to start. “That’s the plan.”

Head coach Raheem Morris said he feels confident in Penix but will make a final call after evaluating him this weekend. “He’s the ultimate tough guy,” Morris said. “It’s going to be based on movement. We won’t put him in harm’s way.”

If Penix can’t play, Kirk Cousins will start. Cousins took most of the first-team reps this week. Morris said his experience gives the team “a lot of confidence.”

Other questionable players for the Falcons include RB Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee), S Jordan Fuller (knee), and DL Zach Harrison (knee). Allegeier has been the most productive running back for Raheem Morris with 3 TDs on 57 carries for 203 rushing yards.

The NFC South franchise is also dealing with 4 absent players.

Raheem Morris is at a greater disadvantage than Mike McDaniel

The Dolphins will be without tight end Julian Hill, who remains out with an ankle injury. Hill did not participate in practice throughout the week. The young tight end has played all 7 games this season, mostly serving as a blocking option for Mike McDaniel. He has 10 receptions for 77 receiving yards.

CB Jason Marshall Jr. is also questionable because of his hamstring injury.

Raheem Morris will miss four key players. Linebacker Divine Deablo is out with a forearm injury after making 24 tackles (8 solo) and a half sack in 6 games. His ability to chase down runners and drop back in coverage has been a vital part of the Falcons’ defensive rhythm.

Rookie DE Jalon Walker will also sit out because of a groin injury. Walker made an immediate impact in limited snaps, collecting 14 tackles (8 solo) and 1 sack this season. Without him, Atlanta loses some of its quick pressure off the edge. It could affect its pass rush against Tua Tagovailoa.

Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. is sidelined with a hamstring injury after playing in 4 games. He logged 17 tackles (10 solo) and a half sack. His absence forces the secondary to rely more heavily on depth players. The Falcons will also be without offensive lineman Storm Norton, who is dealing with a foot injury.

Overall, it will be an interesting matchup, with Mike McDaniel having the upper hand.